Honeymoon couple murder trial delay

The family of a former Sheffield policeman and his wife murdered on honeymoon in Antigua have been left disheartened after the trial of two men accused of their murders has again been delayed.

Avie Howell and Kaniel Martin were due to appear in the Caribbean island’s High Court charged with killing newlyweds Ben and Catherine Mullany, both aged 31, as well as three other people.

But the matter has now been adjourned for a further 10 days - prompting questions from Mr and Mrs Mullany’s parents of when their children’s alleged killers will be brought to justice.

Ben’s uncle Michael Meredith, 58, said: “We have been told many times a trial is going ahead, only for things to change.

“In the families’ eyes we have been waiting too long for matters to be resolved.

“All we can do is wait, and hope the case will proceed sooner rather than later.”

It is nearly three years since qualified doctor Mrs Mullany and her student physiotherapist husband Ben were killed in their hotel chalet on July 27, 2008 - just over a fortnight after the couple had married.

Mrs Mullany died instantly while former South Yorkshire Police officer Mr Mullany was brought home on a life-support machine but later died.

A spokeswoman for Antigua’s Director of Public Prosecutions said the case had been adjourned until June 1.